-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Gareth Bale 's imminent transfer to Real Madrid for a reported world-record fee has been criticized by Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino .

With Spain struggling amid a tough global economic climate , Martino questioned the appropriateness of Real spending on just one player a figure reputed to be at least $ 125 million and possibly as much as $ 145 million .

`` He 's a very good player , but the numbers seem to me almost a lack of respect for the world in general , '' the Argentine told reporters on Saturday at a press conference ahead of Barca 's trip to Malaga .

Bale , who plays for English Premier League club Tottenham , is next week expected to be unveiled as Real 's fifth world-record signing since 2000 .

It will reportedly happen after Madrid , seeking to win back the La Liga title from Barca , play Granada on Monday in the club 's second game this season .

Barca spent $ 75 million to sign Neymar from Santos in June , but Martino said the Brazil striker is not guaranteed to start Sunday 's match in Malaga despite the absence of the injured Lionel Messi .

The four-time world player of the year is being rested as a precaution after suffering a bruised thigh in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid last Wednesday .

`` Honestly , I am not worried because I think he is fine , '' Martino said of his compatriot .

`` What happened the other day was coincidence . I think it is totally unnecessary to take risks at the start of the season . ''

Neymar came off the bench to score the equalizer against Atletico , but Martino played down expectations surrounding the 21-year-old .

`` I do n't share this idea that says that Neymar must take over and take the lead if Messi is not there to do it , '' he said .

`` We have Xavi , we have Andres Iniesta , Cesc Fabregas , Alexis Sanchez , Pedro . There are too many players to expect Neymar to automatically be in the starting line-up .

`` Nothing is going to shorten the time we think is necessary for Neymar to be ready . ''

Bale has reportedly already traveled to Spain , and will not play in Tottenham 's home match with Swansea on Sunday .

The 24-year-old Wales international , who became the most sought-after talent on the planet following Neymar 's decision to join Barca , also missed the London club 's opening match of the EPL season last weekend .

Spurs have twice broken their club transfer record in apparent preparation for Bale 's departure , signing Brazil midfielder Paulinho and Spain striker Roberto Soldado , while a $ 45 million deal for Willian was hijacked by Chelsea despite the Anzhi Makhachkala player having passed a medical at White Hart Lane last week .

In Saturday 's EPL action , Liverpool joined Chelsea on two wins from two games after beating Aston Villa 1-0 , as striker Daniel Sturridge followed up his goal from the opening victory over Stoke .

Arsenal , beaten by Villa last weekend , relieved the pressure on manager Arsene Wenger by defeating London rivals Fulham 3-1 as Germany forward Lukas Podolski scored twice and France striker Olivier Giroud netted the other for the visiting team .

Former Villa and England striker Darren Bent marked his Fulham debut with a goal after coming on as a second-half substitute , but Arsenal notched another morale-boosting win ahead of the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce -- having won 3-0 in Turkey last Wednesday .

Everton drew 0-0 at home to West Brom , and there was also a stalemate between Newcastle and West Ham , while Southampton hit back to hold visiting Sunderland 1-1 .

Hull beat Norwich 1-0 but fellow promoted side Crystal Palace crashed to a second successive defeat , losing 2-1 at Stoke .

In La Liga , Valencia crashed 3-1 at Espanyol despite taking the lead through Portuguese forward Helder Postiga .

David Lopez headed a 33rd-minute equalizer before second-half goals from Cristian Stuani and Thievy Bifouma sealed victory for the Barcelona-based team .

Real Sociedad came back to earth with a bump following last week 's 2-0 win over Lyon in the final Champions League qualifying round , being held 1-1 at promoted Elche .

Mexico striker Carlos Vela saved Sociedad with a second-half leveler following Ferran Corominas ' second-minute opener .

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Real Madrid expected to complete world-record signing of Gareth Bale next week

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Coach of Real 's Spanish rival questions need to spend so much in current climate

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Barcelona 's Gerardo Martino says the size of the reported fee `` lacks respect ''

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Bale has not played for his English Premier League club Tottenham this season